Eknes was selected to replace Glenn Tasker, who stood down from the role in September to concentrate on his role as the President of the Australian Paralympic Committee, with the Norwegian now set to assist chairperson Jane Blaine with her duties.

He will also deputise for Blaine in her absence at meetings and events, while also being tasked with monitoring the progress of the IPC Swimming strategic plan which is due to run until 2016.

The first major competition Eknes will be involved in will be the 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships, which are due to take place at Funchal’s Complexo Olimpico de Piscinas da Penteada aquatics centre on the Portuguese island of Madeira. 

Due to take place from April 30 to May 7, the Championships will be the last major competition ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Following his appointment Eknes announced his intention to grow the profile of the sport,  and he hopes his experience as a member of the European Swimming League (LEN) Bureau and the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Facilities and Media Committee will prove to be assets in the role.

“I am interested in developing the sport, and making an even better collaboration with other organisations such as FINA and LEN,” he said.

“I am also sure that it is possible to increase the profile of swimmers in the media and to the public.

“I hope to achieve even more of focus on our athletes, and to be a part of a fantastic group of sportsmen and women.”

Having also been President of the Norwegian Swimming Federation since 2004, as well as being heavily involved in the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) for over a decade, Eknes will bring vast knowledge to his role.

The NIF put Eknes forward for the vice chairperson position after IPC Swimming invited nominations from National Paralympic Committees and International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled which widely and regularly practice swimming.

A nominations working group then assessed the submissions and interviewed a shortlist of candidates, before awarding the position to Eknes.

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